Last spring I spent four months living in the beautiful and historic city of Florence, Italy while spending my weekends in a handful of nearby countries and exploring my host country itself. The following image depicts Italy's many regions that make up its boot shape. I've comprised a list of the top 10 cities you need to have on your travel bucket list along with photos I captured during my time there! Let the travel bug begin...
1. Florence - Tuscany
Clearly Flo town is #1 on my list, I mean I called it home, after all. While you're here be sure to check out Piazzale Michelangelo, the scenic overlook shown above, it's best at sunset and allows for a panoramic view of the entire city.
2. Vernazza, a part of Cinque Terre - Liguria
Cinque Terre is made up of five small villages with their colorful constructions built into the sides of the cliffs. There are hiking trails between them and also a convenient train. Each village has its own ~vibe~ and look, but all are equally stunning. My favorite happens to be Vernazza due to its pastel aesthetics and the layout of the buildings. Definitely Pinterest worthy.
3. Positano - Campania
Positano is located on the Amalfi coast, which is south of Rome and located on the west coast of Italy. This town has perfect sea access and grey pebbles line the shore. The quaint shops and blue waters made it for a perfectly relaxing day.
4. Vatican City (and Rome) - Lazio
Vatican City is home to Pope Francis and his Roman Catholic Church. Though we're not catholic, my family was delighted by the breath-taking art such as Michelangelo's ceiling. The beauty of this entire city-state is enough to bring anyone to tears, it's incomparable to anything in the world.
5. Pisa - Liguria
Though small, Pisa contains the iconic "Leaning Tower of Pisa", which is equally confusing and awesome. Though touristy, this town was an easy day trip and the buildings are all very historic and alluring.
6. Venice - Veneto
Venice is extraordinarily picturesque and unique. Its 100+ islands are strung together via footbridges and vaporettos (water-taxis) transport people around the seemingly floating town. Gondola rides aren't cheap, but allow for a memorable experience and a great photo-opp!
7. Island of Burano - Veneto
Not as well known, Burano is a neighboring island of Venice. Allow only a few hours to explore this tiny island and its bright residences. This island reminds me of a box of crayola crayons because the homes are all different cheerful colors!
8. Aci Castello and Catania - Sicily
Though not as popular as its counterparts on this list, the city of Catania is the 2nd biggest on the island of Sicily, and its northern neighbor, Aci Castello is a small village with rocky shores. I randomly stumbled upon this hidden gem while looking for a cheap, solo weekend get-away. I took two nights to myself to explore the shores and found it relaxing and captivating. Don't forget to eat an authentic Sicilian canoli during your visit!
9. Ana Capri on the island of Capri - Campania
My favorite place in the world, thus far. The island of Capri is located off the coast of Sorrento. After taking a 10-minute chairlift ride to the top of the island you arrive at the tip-top town of Ana Capri. The spectacular views of mainland Italy and the island itself are absolutely stunning. I've never seen anything quite as amazing as this view.
10. Milan - Lombardy
I was fortunate enough to visit Milan during Fashion Week, and spent my day there exploring the many shops and stores as well as eating Risotto Milanese. The gothic-style Duomo (cathedral) here was enormous and impressive.
And there you have it, my personal top 10 places in Italy that I believe you just have to see in your lifetime!
Ciao!
